help needed

[Geo 12]

Hi Guys need some advice just bought a 2012 Toyota Avensis TR-D-4D. and the hand brake not working the Guy I bought it from said the pads  and discs were changed but its an e brake you can hear it trying to work I heard that they have to be put on computer to have them done it just wont engage does it have to go into a garage and have it reset and any idea of cost.  thanks George

[tavy]

  It's an electric handbrake if I understand well, so there is not a cable, maybe the problem is with calipers if you hear the handbrake system tries to engage...

[FROSTYBALLS]

Topic moved to the Avensis forum.

[Avensis tourer]

Oh no, I'm sorry to hear you're having a tough time! But don't worry, we're here to help. If it's not too much trouble, would you mind snapping a quick photo of your breaks after taking a wheel off and sending it over to us? That way we can take a closer look and figure out the best way to assist you. what we are dealing with. 

Did this issue occur recently or did you purchase the car with the problem?

It is very difficult to estimate the cost of any repair without knowing what needs to be done.

[Konrad C]

The car needs to go to someone who knows Avensis and can inspect the brake installation. There are two type of EPB systems - the first was the early system which had auto release, but the driver had to the parking brake. The second system that replaced the earlier system is fully automatic. This system needs to be put into service mode to release the brakes before any work with the rear brakes. When replacing the brake pads, wind back tools are needed, and need to be left and right handed for each side. When winding back each piston, the cut outs in the piston must be horizontal to allow the protruding pin on the rear of the pads to sit in the gap. Some mechanics don't do this and force the pads in! This will cause the pads or piston to be skewed to one side, causing either to jam at an angle. The brakes won't work properly or be seized in one position. The pads will then where at an angle just like a cheese. This affects the inboard pad, so a proper inspection is needed.  I happened me many years back and I sorted the problem myself. If done properly, no diagnostic setting is needed and should not be done without using the correct diagnostic system like Techstream! Just do brake replacement like any other car. 

This is advice to anybody and if the job is done correctly, there should be no problems.  

[Cessna]

On 1/18/2024 at 1:51 PM, Konrad C said:

The second system that replaced the earlier system is fully automatic. This system needs to be put into service mode to release the brakes before any work with the rear brakes.

Are you sure about that Konrad? By default the EPB on later cars will apply automatically when switching the ignition from On to Acc or Off. However, this can be disabled by pulling and holding the EPB switch for 5 seconds (a warning light on the instrument panel warns when in this mode). Therefore the car can be stopped using the footbrake, left in gear (or P for an auto) and chocked ready for work. I have not done this myself though, so I do not know if there is another reason why it needs to be in service mode. But I thought I would mention the ability to disable the automatic EPB apply function which means it can be parked and the key removed without having the EPB engaged.

[valentino46]

ref ,my sorry plight with my epb ,being not available for now 7 months ,i must conclude that anything to do with toyota s  epb is either not obtainable ,and waiting for retooling, no aftermarket part , ,nothing can be done to repair them and very expensive to replace . So many different part numbers from 2009 ,nothing is interchangeable , JUST SAYING .......